You’re well set in your job, feeling pretty comfortable with your workload, until something happens. You start getting complacent. By complacent we mean that you stop showing initiative or stop putting in that bit of extra work when needed. But how does this manifest itself and how can one combat this.
It is the ineffective level of multitasking that begins to creep in, and your workload scheduler starts reflecting a bit more extramural time, all the while your performance begins to suffer. If you’re heading in the wrong direction it’s not too late to turn around, and even if you still prioritise your workload effectively here are a few warning signs to take on board to avoid sliding off those tracks.
Blinkers On
As has drummed into many minds for years by Steven Covey in his 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: “Focus on the Task at Hand”. As obvious as it may seem, it’s important to engrain that into your heads as part of effective workload management. After all, your work is what pays your salary. It’s easy to be working really hard at something and suddenly get distracted by a shiny object, or a cute dancing baby on YouTube. Of course there is time for that, but it’s not now.
After Hours
Managing your workload doesn’t solely refer to inside the office. There are plenty of things that need to be done after hours, from organising parties, to evening functions. Workdays are long and workload stress is hard as it is but you should not be tempted into using work hours to accomplish these tasks. Wake up a bit earlier, slow down on evening drinks if they’re unnecessary and put weekend time aside to fragment that heavy workload.
Stick your Tech out
Technology is not only there for fun and games, but when used effectively they can lighten that heavy workload. Admittedly this does come with a separate set of challenges, but with the smartphone takeover there are a plethora apps out there to make life easier and manage that workload more effectively. Set a time to look at your work e-mails if you wish and that way you can get a head start. Obviously don’t overdo it. Workloads must balance and don’t let this post encourage you to do a 180 and overburden yourself.
Take these tips to heart when you find yourself beginning to drop that workload. Remember, friends are also there to help when times are getting tough. You don’t have to take everything on board, because if you do you might just find yourself struggling to avoid tumbling overboard.
